Contact Lenses Basics

Things you should know about contact lenses

Contact lenses are small lenses that are applied directly to the eye to provide vision correction. Today, they are one of the most popular ways to correct vision problems and they are worn by an estimated 125 million people worldwide.

The History of contact lenses can be an interesting topic to explore and while the technologies used to make corrective lenses today only go back around 50 years, Leonardo da Vinci was the first person to consider the idea of contact lenses in the 16th century. Since that time, they have developed into the small, comfortable and extremely accurate items that we are familiar with.

Why choose contact lenses?

There are many reasons that people opt to wear contact lenses instead of eye glasses. This can include the fact that contacts are easy to use and don't have an effect on the wearer's appearance. For those who lead active lifestyles, eye glasses can be a cumbersome and sometimes dangerous option, as the lenses and frames can break, causing damage to the eyes. In addition, contacts don't fog up in cold weather like spectacles do and they have a wider field-of-vision compared to eye glasses. If you don't want to wear spectacles, laser eye surgery is another option. But many are wary of this technology and the non-invasive nature of contact lenses can be a much more attractive solution. Contacts are also a much cheaper option, as surgery can cost hundreds of pounds.

What kinds of lenses are available?

Even if you don't need your eyesight corrected, you may choose to wear coloured or crazy lenses to enhance your appearance.

For many years, a person who wanted to wear contacts would buy a single pair and wear it for up to a year. They would be required to spend quite a lot of time and money keeping the lenses clean. However, today most lenses are disposable, either monthly or daily, making them better for the health of the wearer's eyes, as well as much easier to take care of.

In most cases, modern contacts are manufactured from a special type of soft plastic called silicone hydrogel. This material is gas permeable, meaning that it allows oxygen to travel through the plastic and to the surface of the eye.

How to find out more information about contact lenses

If you'd like to learn more about contact lenses, it might be best to get in touch with an eye care professional. This is especially true for questions about your personal eye health.

Remember that you should get your eyes tested at least every two years, and those over 70 should get an eye test every year. Depending on your age and other circumstances, you may also be eligible for free eye tests on the NHS.

If you're looking to buy lenses, Contactlenses.co.uk offers a fabulous range of products to choose from, with affordable items to suit every requirement.

You can also check out our contact lenses news section to find about the latest research and developments, as well other information about contact lenses.